Fistful of Steel
Rage Against the Machine Lyrics
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Check it ugh
Silence, something about silence makes me sick
'Cause silence can be violent sorta like a slit wrist
The vibe was suicideb then you would push da button
But if ya bowin' down then let me do the cuttin'
Like radio is silent though it fills the air with noises
Its transmissions bring submission
As ya mold to the unreal
And mad boy grips the microphone wit' a fistful of steel
Yeah and mad mad boy grips the microphone
Wit' a fistful of steel
Wit' a fistful of steel ('cause I know the power of the question)
Wit' a fistful of steel
Wit' a fistful of steel (and I won't stop cause I know the power of the question)
It's time to flow like the fluid in ya veins if ya will it, I will spill it
And ya out just as quick as ya came not a silent one
But a defiant one never a normal one
'Cause I'm the bastard son with the visions of the move
Vocals not to soothe but to ignite and put in flight
My sense of militance groovin', playin' this game called survival
The status, the elite, the enemy, the rival
The silent sheep slippin', riffin', trippin'
Give ya a glimpse of the reality I'm grippin'
Steppin' into the jam and I'm slammin' like shaquille
Mad boy grips the microphone wit' a fistful of steel
Yeah and mad boy grips the microphone
Wit' a fistful of steel
Wit' a fistful of steel ('cause I know the power of the question)
Wit' a fistful of steel
Wit' a fistful of steel (and I won't stop 'cause I know the power of the question)
Ah shit
And I won't stop 'cause I know the power of the question
And if the vibe was suicide then you would push da button
But if ya bowin' down then let me do the cuttin'
Yeah, come on
A 44 full of bullets
Face full of pale
Eyes full of empty
A stare full of nails
The roulette ball, rolls along on the wheel
A mind full of fire
And a fistful of steel
And if the vibe was suicide then you would push da button
But if ya bowin' down then let me do the cuttin'
Yeah, wit' a fistful of steel
Uggh, come on
Uggh wit' a fistful of steel
Uggh
In Fistful of Steel, Rage Against the Machine uses the metaphor of silence to criticize the conformist and passive society that people have become. The opening line “something about silence makes me sick” is a clear indication of the rebellious nature of the song. The song attacks the silence of the media, which is filled with noise but reflects almost nothing of the current scenario. The song highlights the notion of submission and how people have become powerless to think and realize the truth for themselves. The line “its transmissions bring submission” is an excellent example of the band's critical view towards the media. The band highlights that one should not remain silent but ask difficult questions, which is demonstrated through the line “'cause I know the power of the question.”
Rage Against the Machine expresses its anger and frustration at the system by emphasizing the importance of standing up, fighting back, and questioning everything that seems wrong in society. The line, “But if ya bowin' down then let me do the cuttin',” is a clear indication of the band's call to stand up and fight against the conformist attitude of the society. The band aims to awaken the rebel within the people by urging them to take a stand and think for themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Silence, something about silence makes me sick
The absence of sound is harmful to me in some way.
'Cause silence can be violent sorta like a slit wrist
Silence is comparable to self-harm because both can hurt us.
The vibe was suicideb then you would push da button
If I felt hopeless or unimportant, I might end up doing something self-destructive.
But if ya bowin' down then let me do the cuttin'
If you're giving up or surrendering, then I'll take over and fight for us.
Some speak the sounds but speak in silent voices
Some people communicate, but not always in ways that can be heard.
Like radio is silent though it fills the air with noises
Although the radio emits sound, it's not always clear or meaningful.
Its transmissions bring submission
The constant noise can lead to a loss of individualism or autonomy.
As ya mold to the unreal
As people become more immersed in the manufactured culture around them, they become less grounded in reality.
And mad boy grips the microphone wit' a fistful of steel
I hold the microphone tightly, ready to express my anger and defiance.
It's time to flow like the fluid in ya veins if ya will it, I will spill it
It's time to express myself freely and passionately.
Not a silent one, but a defiant one never a normal one
I refuse to be quiet, ordinary or submissive.
'Cause I'm the bastard son with the visions of the move
I'm an outsider with my own ideas for change.
Vocals not to soothe but to ignite and put in flight
My words are meant to stimulate action and movement.
My sense of militance groovin', playin' this game called survival
I treat life as an ongoing battle and I'm always ready to defend myself.
The silent sheep slippin', riffin', trippin'
People are becoming easier to manipulate and deceive.
Give ya a glimpse of the reality I'm grippin'
I want to make people aware of the situation I'm dealing with.
Steppin' into the jam and I'm slammin' like shaquille
I'm going into this situation fully charged and on the offensive.
A 44 full of bullets
I'm armed and dangerous.
Face full of pale
I'm scared and anxious.
Eyes full of empty
I'm feeling hopeless, like nothing will change.
A stare full of nails
My gaze is sharp, powerful and intimidating.
The roulette ball, rolls along on the wheel
Life is unpredictable, and luck can play a role in our fate.
A mind full of fire
I'm passionate and determined.
And a fistful of steel
I'm ready to fight for what I believe in, even if it means being aggressive.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Tim Commerford, Zack De La Rocha, Tom Morello, Tom Wilk
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@KeeganJAmaya
@Rowan Melton You know you can look these things up, right?
Zach's dad is Mexican-American and his mom is of German/Irish origin. You must be thinking of the guitarist, Tom Morello, who is also bi-racial (Italian/Irish mom and Kenyan father, making him a mulatto).
South America is not Mexico btw. There's Mexico (North America), the Carribean, Central America, and yes, South America.
Regardless of country of origin, Zach is the quintessential Mestizo. I should know, not only do I do my research before speaking up In public, but I'm also Mestizo (Central American variation).
And yes, very few pure blood indigenous people in Latin America. With one major distinction, and it's the fact that 53+% of the Latin American population has indigenous blood coursing through our veins.
Now juxtapose that with 2.7% of European Americans carrying any indigenous, Native American ancestry...
@gogogomes7025
Kids aren't angry enough nowdays.
@NoahJTov
I am
@MartiZenith
They’re not getting bullied enough and it really shows
@perks6292
Anger is a gift
@mejestic124
But they are dumb enough to burn and loot
@JT-vh7yh
they’re not angry at the right shit anymore just nonsense, everything is a distraction nowadays
@skateboardinguitaris
Zack is one of the most underrated rappers ever... His lyrics man... Just so intense and incredible!
@moaazkhalil1028
J Music 30 he is the best lyricist in rock,heavy metal and rap
@karnhelwig7912
Flow is on point every time. I learned
More about history thanks to Zac then at school 👊🏾
@girlthatyoyos4155
Hell most underappreciated frontman ever